Keeping Up With Technology

Melt-Strength Enhancer and Impact Modifier for PLA

From: Plastics Technology
Issue: November 2008

WEB EXCLUSIVE Two new acrylic additives for packaging made from polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer come from Rohm and Haas Corp., Philadelphia.

WEB EXCLUSIVE Two new acrylic additives for packaging made from polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer come from Rohm and Haas Corp., Philadelphia. They are Paraloid BPMS 250 melt-strength enhancer (now available) and BMP-515 high-efficiency impact modifier (coming by the end of the year). Paraloid BPMS 250 reportedly improves processing of PLA and its alloys used in clear packaging such as thermoformed clamshell food containers. The additive is said to enable high line speeds. Just 2% of this additive reportedly increases melt elasticity without affecting clarity. It reportedly complies with FDA food-contact requirements and EU Directive 2002/72/EC. Paraloid BPM 515 is designed to reduce the cost of impact modification of clear PLA. While it does not impart as high degree of clarity as the previous Paraloid BPM 500 product, it is said to be more efficient, requiring lower addition levels--as low as 2%. It can therefore cut the cost of impact modification by up to half compared with BPM 500. (215) 592-3000 * www.rohmhaas.com